Loss of power

Tiny
FLIPFLOPMAMA2U
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Turned car on and attempted to drive it. Check engine light and another light that looks like check engine, but with a down arrow over it appear. I floor the accelerator and can go less than 5mph. If I touch brake or turn corner, car silently dies. Restarts and off we go @ 5mph. If I can keep going, it will eventually gain a little momentum. Turned car off and let it set. Tightened gas cap and it the check engine with the arrow light went off, car drove like normal. Later, freaks out and we're back to 5mph. On a super tight student budget until hubby graduates and just trying to figure how major it's going to be.
Thursday, September 24th, 2015 AT 12:53 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
We have seen this problem before.... Sometimes the throttle bore get full of "coking" which can create correlation issue between the sensor on the pedal and the throttle. Here's a guide to help you learn how to clean the throttle bore

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

After you are done with this procedure, clear the codes and recheck

https://youtu.be/ahK_eucFi-k

Please run down these guides and report back
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Thursday, September 24th, 2015 AT 5:53 PM
Tiny
KENDRARUSSELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Great information! I tried it and it worked, no trip to the shop. Thanks
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Monday, August 6th, 2018 AT 11:28 AM
Tiny
KOREY DENNIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
No throttle response in drive, and go slow in low two, reverse works alright. Check engine, low power, and traction control lights all come on. In that order.
In drive it has a low idle until it quits running. No other noticeable symptoms.
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Monday, August 6th, 2018 AT 11:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
I would suggest getting it scanned for the codes. Some parts stores will scan it for free, or you can "rent" a code reader and DIY, it is very easy, you plug the code reader in, turn on the key and enter the vehicle information. Hit read codes, and write them down.

Without the codes my guess is that the throttle position sensor is bad. The TPS is used to tell the cars computer how far open the throttle is, it also tells that information to the transmission which uses it to regulate internal pressure, shift points and more.
But do not just change it without getting the codes. It is possible it is something else (Equinoxes are known for transmission failures and transmission control module failures.
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Monday, August 6th, 2018 AT 11:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HELLENDRAKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
I have a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox. The problem I have when you start it and put it in drive you have no power keep the accelerated down and about five minutes s before she picks up speed. But if you put her in low gear she will be perfect. Took her to garage and they replaced the accelerator sensor. She worked fine for a few days and now she is the same again. There is a arrow light pointing downwards on above the engine light. Help me please.
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Monday, August 6th, 2018 AT 11:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Is the engine revving and the car not accelerating? Have you had the computer scanned to determine what codes are set? Is the transmission fluid clean and full?
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Monday, August 6th, 2018 AT 11:35 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KLRAGIN77
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
Transmission problem
2005 Chevy Equinox All Wheel Drive Automatic 164200 miles

When I go to pull of it accelerates very slowly and then it has trouble changing gears. It will give a little jerk when it finally does change gears. Going uphill it loses speed even if I press on the gas. I already know that I need a new EGR valve. That is getting replaced just waiting on the part. Would that have anything to do with my problem.
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Monday, August 6th, 2018 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
The EGR will cause a driveability problem. As a result, you may experience other problems. Wait until the part is replaced and let me know if it takes care of it. If it doesn't, I'll help you figure out what to do next.
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Monday, August 6th, 2018 AT 11:36 AM (Merged)

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